Florida's New Texting While Driving Law

Posted By Boohoff Law, P.A. || 11-Sep-2013

It will soon be illegal to text and drive in the state of Florida. Beginning
on October 1st, 2013, Florida will be the 41st state to implement a
texting and driving law. Recently signed by Governor Scott, SB 52 is a bill that prohibits
individuals from driving while typing, entering or sending any letters,
numbers, symbols or texts into a handheld wireless device. The reading
of texts while operating a motor vehicle will also be banned. Exceptions
have been included for first responders and other personnel who are in
the midst of performing their duties, and in certain, potentially life-threatening
situations.

Despite the fact that this law is purportedly geared to curb texting and
driving accidents, which are responsible for causing over 1.6 million
car accidents per year, it does have its downfalls. Texting at stoplights
and/or through the use of a hands-free device will be allowed by the new
law. Florida's ban on texting while driving is also scheduled to be
classified as a secondary offense. This means that law enforcement officers
are not legally allowed to cite drivers for texting while driving unless
the driver commits another traffic offense first. Fines for texting while
driving will be $30 for a first offense and $60 for a second offense.
Court costs and driver's license points will be in addition to any
fines levied. One benefit Florida's new law provides is that an individual's
cell phone bill can be submitted as evidence against them in any texting
while driving accident-related case.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a driver that was texting
while driving in Brandon, or in another community in the state of Florida,
it is vital that you contact our firm right away. The attorneys at Boohoff
Law, P.A. are committed to protecting the rights of accident victims and
their families. Our firm has helped numerous individuals recover compensation
for damages in a range of
car accident cases. We look forward to providing you with the professional representation
you will need to achieve success.
Contact a Brandon personal injury attorney today to find out what we can do for you.

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